How is a colonoscopy done?
Colonoscopy is almost always done on an outpatient basis. A mild sedative is usually given before the procedure and then a flexible, slender tube is inserted into the rectum to look inside the colon. The test is safe and the procedure itself typically takes less than 30 minutes. It is a camera-assisted study of the internal structures and tissues of the entire large intestine, which is also known as the colon, the rectum, and the anus. Samples of tissue (known as biopsies) can be taken at the time of the procedure.
A colonoscopy is done in an outpatient setting. Patients take an oral preparation to cleanse the bowel the day before the procedure. The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and gradually advanced through the colon. There may be some abdominal cramping. The doctor may prescribe medicine to relax the patient and help ease any discomfort. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. The patient usually may resume normal activities the following day.
